Does anyone use these?
I currently use dominants. And well, they're ok. But I really want to try something different.
So today in string group i was looking to see any strings that i didn't recognise the makes of (oh dear ) and asked my friend what strings she used and she say 'Zyex. They're really expensive ' haha but, i was wondering if they're any good.
They have a very pretty pink and purple pattern on the bit at the bottom And they seem to make a nice sound but was just wondering if anyone else uses them/has used them/knows about them, as i've never seen them before. Though as i said, my friend makes a nice sound on them and from the description they have a warm sound.

I found them on an American website and they're only like $35, so not very expensive (not as she said )

Also - would i want a silver D or an aluminium D? And... there's light, medium and heavy. Medium would be the best choice, right? (If i did choose those strings, that is)
I know i sound really silly as i sound like i have no clue, but i just wanna make sure i dont spend £30 on the wrong kind of strings.

What other strings would you advise?

My dominants are alright but i've never played on anything different and really wanna try something else out.

Experimenting with strings is a very expensive hobby and really you would be well advised to know what you want before you start experimenting. Do you want your violin to be brighter, darker, louder, or what?

Zyex are loud and dark but have a sort of "space age" edge to them, that's the best way I can describe it.

Liz

Oh =|
Thanks
I'm looking for something with a soft and warm but still powerful sound?

My violin is already very powerful so i'm not sure 'loud and dark' would do it much justice. So Zyex are maybe not such a great idea

I may go to a violin shop and ask what they recommend or something. But would i look quite silly -
them: what can i get you?
me: i'm looking to buy some new strings
them: which ones would you like
me: i have no idea

If you want to tone down the brilliance then you might try Corelli Crystal, Daddario Pro-Arte or Pirastro Obligato.

Liz

If it's overly brilliant, have the set up changed, telling the luthier what you want it to sound like. This seems to be a much more current practise here in France rather than back in the UK. Changing strings won't make an enormous difference, it's quite subtle really, but if your fiddle just has an overly bright edge, then it might do the trick, if it's too bright and you want it to sound dark, then a good luthier will be able to make it sound that way.

I was once astonished at the difference in set up on a fiddle I had played and disregarded as being too bright and hard, only to play it again (after I had bought my fiddle and therefore was no longer looking) to find it mellow and dark - the luthier said he'd reset it up for a tzigane style player - I swear it could have been a totally different fiddle I had in my hands!

If it's just a bit too bright, then I'd agree with Liz, Pirastro Obligato will warm it up nicely, so will tonica (similar to doms, but a bit warmer) - but then if you like your doms, leave 'em on!

I started using Zyex a few years ago and really like them -- I can only describe the sound as 'classy', which isn't much help to the rest of you! The A and D are aluminium, the G silver. But still I use a Pirastro Olive Label Gold for the E string, as I love the sound (in spite of the occasional squeak) and still have a stock that I got half-price in a closing-down sale.

I found Dominants too brassy for my taste. But so much depends on the violin and the player and the personal taste... I would love to try lots of different ones but it gets a bit expensive.

Rosfrog is quite right that the set-up can make a huge difference.